Anyone who wants to get their projects (either DIY or professionally) completed quickly, efficiently, and without the hassle, you’ll find with manual tools needs the best hammer drills to completely transform jobs from laborious and dull to something much more enjoyable. They are the go-to tool for professional tradesmen and masons all over the world, providing performance, power, comfort, control, and unmatched satisfaction (seriously) regardless of the job.

These tools are also versatile, modern, and reliable, they’re not just something you’ll only use once, or need to replace in a year. These tools are for life. You need high-quality tools for high-quality results, and this tool is the perfect place to start. Whether you want to tear up the bathroom tiles, bore into concrete or have a speedy solution for small home improvement jobs, a hammer drill will make your life much better.

The Best Hammer Drill

1

Bosch Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer Drill

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Packed with a variety of features sure to excite even the most casual and reluctant home improvers, the Bosch Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer Drill is a dream to use for DIY jobs and professional projects alike. This alone makes sense as to why we’ve selected is as our number one choice for the best hammer drills, but there’s so much more to it than that.

We’re particularly excited about the 3-in-1 multifunction selection, which allows you to switch seamlessly between rotation-only, rotary hammer, and simple hammer modes. This gives you a versatile tool for a variety of jobs both big and small. The powerful 7.5 Amp motor packs power you’d be lucky to find elsewhere, while the variable speed trigger gives you total control, and puts you in charge of the tool for precise, accurate drilling.

While it’s slightly too large to fit into tight spaces, you’ll still be able to tackle most jobs with ease. The SDS+ bit system also gives you multiple attachment options for different materials and is easy to switch out bits to find the perfect part for your job. For added safety, the automatic bit lock gives you protection from human error, and while it has a habit of getting covered in dust (but what do you expect?) it doesn’t affect performance, which is perhaps the most important thing. Make sure you also check our guide to the best cordless drills for more similar tools to this one.

2

Skil 7.0 Amp Hammer Drill

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In terms of powerful hammer drills, the Skil 7.0 Amp Hammer Drill doesn’t pack as much of a punch as the Bosch, but still provides enough impact to tackle tough applications, which is excellent news for something so cheap. It gets even better when you realize how small it is. This drill is one of the most compacts in our selection and works well as both the main drill and accompanying one.

Its size contributes to a huge amount of control over your drilling. The side handle assists ensure preciseness, and the variable speed trigger keeps the rotation from getting away from you. In construction environments, this is key, and can often be the difference between a job well done and one not, so well done.

Also despite its size, the half-inch keyed chuck is compatible with large diameter bits, so you should always be able to find the right bit for whatever size job. The cord is long and heavy duty, and you can attach the handle with no tools, making it easy to put together and adjust when needed. However, as easy as this is for you, it feels a little cheap, so while you can consider much of the drill heavy duty, it may take time for you to trust it. If you are looking to upgrade your tools, check out our guide to the best hammers.

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Key Features:

Powerful 7.0 Amp motor for tough applications

1/2-inch keyed chuck accepts large diameter bits

Side assist handle for precise drilling

Variable speed trigger for accurate drill speed

Specification:

BrandSkil

ModelGIDDS2-2488403

Weight5.5 pounds

Pros

Long heavy duty cord

Impact feature for cement and tiles

Forward reverse switch close to trigger

Cons

Plastic side handle feels cheap

3

Black+Decker 6.0 Amp Hammer Drill

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Even lighter (but still pricier) than the Skil is the Black+Decker 6.0 Amp Hammer Drill is a quality option that feels much more robust than it may first appear. The grip handle is thick and provides a comfortable fit for short bursts of work, making it excellent for small jobs like masonry and working on car parts. It offers excellent balance and even better control without the wobbly, loose feeling you find with smaller drill handles.

The all-metal keyless chuck makes it easy to change the bits when needed. This is massively convenient but another sometimes-neglected benefit is that it will save you time when you’re working towards a deadline, or just want to finish and relax. It also has a variable trigger speed to put you in total control throughout a variety of applications while still providing excellent torque regardless of how much power you give it.

With a maximum of 2,800RPM, you’re guaranteed to complete your jobs quickly and efficiently, although is has a habit of heating up if used for too long. Still, it’s perfect for tight spaces where larger drills would struggle, but at only 6.0 Amps, it doesn’t possess as much power as other similarly sized models. This makes a perfect DIY gift for a handyman in your life.

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Key Features:

Grip design ensures better balance and control

All-metal keyless chuck for easy bit change

Variable speed trigger allows controlled speed for all applications

6.0 Amp power with up to 2,800RPM

Specification:

BrandBLACK+DECKER

ModelDR670

Weight4.39 pounds

Pros

Compact but powerful design makes it ideal for tight spaces

Tough, durable construction

Great value for money

Cons

Heats up rather quickly

4

DeWalt D-Handle SDS Rotary Hammer Drill

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Those looking for a reliable and powerful hammer drill should consider the DeWalt D-Handle SDS Rotary Hammer which offers a massive 3 Joules of impact energy, offering excellent performance regardless of what materials you tackle. It destroys concrete with ease and can handle hours of use without overheating or showing any signs of slowing down.

This is excellent news for those working on big projects every day and means the Active Vibration Control is more than a mere special feature, but a necessary inclusion that ensures long, comfortable usage. It reduces shock absorption when working from morning to evening. The integral clutch also eliminates sudden high-torque reactions, keeping your wrists and arms safe when you encounter stubborn materials throughout a variety of jobs.

The rotating brush delivers full speed and incredible torque in both forward and reverse modes to deliver consistent results in all situations, making it perfectly plausible that you’ll fall in love with construction all over again. If you’re tired of spending too long on projects and sick of sweating your bodyweight out every week, this is the perfect solution for transforming your jobs you’ll end up kicking yourself for after using it once. Be sure to also check out our list of the best nail guns for more great items like this.

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Key Features:

3 Joules of impact energy for powerful performance

Active Vibration Control ensures shock absorption and comfort

Integral clutch reduces sudden and high-torque reactions

Rotating brush ring delivers full speed and torque in both forward and reverse modes

Specification:

BrandDEWALT

ModelD25263K

Weight12.2 pounds

Pros

Easily drills through concrete

High quality and durable construction

Fast-drilling operation

Cons

Eats up a lot of power

5

Makita D-Handle Rotary Hammer Drill

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A fantastic drill for concrete and an array of other materials, our premium choice is the Makita D-Handle Rotary Hammer which looks almost exactly like a sci-fi energy weapon and performs just like one, too. You’re granted complete control over your work with an ergonomic D-handle and soft grip side handle, and the large trigger switch prevents strain on your fingers.

For extended, continuous use, the recessed lock button makes your job even easier and gives you the chance to give your hands some respite during labor-intensive jobs. The torque limiting clutch ensures durability by preventing gear damage by disengaging the gears if the bit binds. This doesn’t merely protect the drill and its parts, but also you by preventing any sudden jerking that can put you out of commission for some time.

With 40-bit angle settings, you’re also guaranteed versatility that is sometimes lacking in larger drill hammers. This makes the Makita one of the most convenient tools for tradesmen and DIYers alike and combines with the Makita Motor Advantage feature for increases energy transfer to provide top quality results for top quality demands. There’s no anti-vibration technology, which may put some of you off, but with up to 50% faster drilling, you’re unlikely to notice. Our handy guide to the best random orbital sanders features more great products like this.

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Key Features:

Torque limiting clutch prevents gear damage by disengaging gears

Sequential impact timing delivers 50% faster drilling

Makita Motor Advantage increases energy transfer for long life

40 bit angle setting provides versatile positioning

Specification:

BrandMakita

ModelHR2475

Weight10.7 pounds

Pros

Durable construction

Doesn’t get hot as quickly as other models

Easily drills through tough concrete

Cons

No anti-vibration technology

6

DeWalt Single Speed Hammer Drill

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The DeWalt Single Speed Hammer Drill is a deceiving option on first glance. It packs a whopping 7.0 Amp motor but is compact enough to fit comfortably in any toolbox worldwide. You might think a drill of such size cannot handle this power, but any fears of overheating, smoking, or general failure are eased through the useful overload protection to guarantee excellent performance for whatever job you undertake.

There’s also a 360-degree side handle complete with a depth rod to provide excellent control and near-unmatched precision in tight spaces, and for those concerned about comfort, the two-finger trigger makes this a guarantee. The large surface area gives you enough space for excellent purchase without feeling like its too large and cumbersome to use effectively.

Its dual mode capabilities also give you versatility and performance with a variety of materials including those used in masonry along with steel and wood. Unfortunately, there’s no variable speed, but for smaller jobs, this isn’t something that should cause you too much hassle, and it’s sheer power more than makes up for such a lacking feature, especially if your primary usage is that of small, easy jobs that don’t require too much customization. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best wire strippers.

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Key Features:

7.0 Amp motor ensures performance with overload protection

360-degree side handle with depth rod gives greater control

Dual mode for a variety of materials

Two-finger rubber trigger guarantees comfort

Specification:

BrandDEWALT

ModelDWE5010

Weight5 pounds

Pros

Lightweight design ensures extended use

The handle can be put on either side

Lots of torque for tackling tough projects

Cons

No variable speed (but you should get that from the name)

7

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hammer Drill

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The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hammer Drill immediately draws you in with its unique Powerstate brushless motor function that provides up to 60% more power than what you’re likely to find with lesser models. This motor is specially designed for this hammer drill, giving you the confidence of unmatched performance in particular situations.

At only 5 pounds, is one of the smallest, most compact drills on the list, and for casual DIYers or tradesmen who need more variety in their toolbox, it’s one of the best options to choose from. The size makes it ideal for tight, complicated spaces that require excellent precision, control, and accuracy.

Even though it’s such a lightweight model, you’ll still get up to twice as much speed under a heavy load, giving you an efficient little hammer drill that goes above and beyond what you’d expect of it. However, this power and speed comes at a price as it heats up very quickly, so you’ll struggle to complete larger jobs as fast as you’d like. For small, fast, easy projects, or to do a little trimming around your work area, this is a great little machine, just make sure you don’t push it too hard, though. If you are a passionate DIYer, check out our guide to the best drill presses.

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Key Features:

Powerstate brushless motor provides 60% more power

Compact size for easy access to tight spaces

Up to twice as much speed under heavy load

Redlink Plus Intelligence for optimal performance

Specification:

BrandMilwaukee Electric Tools

Model2804-20

Weight3.2 pounds

Pros

Designed for productivity

Side handle included

Ideal for both professional and DIY projects

Cons

Gets too hot too quickly

8

GoPlus Electric Rotary Hammer Drill

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Using a 1,000-watt operation, the GoPlus Electric Rotary Hammer Drill is perfect for long, arduous, and intensive use across a variety of situations and environments and can handle pretty much whatever you test it with. The heavy-duty construction ensures longevity where other drills could break down after a few years.

Sure, it’s a little on the heavy side, but it’s still easy to handle, with an excellent weight to power ratio, and the three-function possibilities – hammer drill, hammer-only, and rotation drill – offers excellent versatility and convenience if you need to switch purposes mid-job. Despite its size, the 360-degree swivel handle makes it easy to adapt to an almost-endless amount of positions so you can remain in control and get the accuracy you need during demolition works.

You’ll also get a variety of useful and effective accessories, which makes this excellent value for money before you even take it out for a spin. The fast-working operation also means you’ll complete your jobs quicker than you ever thought possible. The only problem is the inadequate instruction manual, which could hinder your progress on the first day. Once you overcome this slight learning curve, though, you’ll be breaking up floors and tiles like the pros. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best band saws.

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Key Features:

1,000-watt operation capable of withstanding intense use

Three functions for versatility and tackling multiple jobs

360-degree swivel handle for any drilling position

Heavy duty construction and corrosion resistance

Specification:

BrandGoplus

Weight14.1 pounds

Pros

Sold with a variety of accessories

Excellent weight to power ratio

Fast working for efficiency

Cons

Inadequate instruction manual means a slight learning curve

9

Porter-Cable 7 Amp CRS Single Speed Drill

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If you’re looking for the best value for money from out of the best hammer drills, the Port-Cable 7 Amp CRS Single Speed Drill is the one for you. This corded hammer drill is designed with an easy-to-hold pistol grip that, once you get over thinking like you’re combing the Badlands in Red Dead Redemption 2, will provide excellent wrist support and control when tackling stubborn tiles and concrete.

As much as it will protect your hands, you can feel confident the hardware will be, too. To prevent dangerous overheating, the cast metal gear housing is designed, so it dissipates heat when in use, meaning not only is the Porter-Cable comfortable to hold and use, it can also be used for longer and reduces the number of breaks you need to take in between.

The powerful 7.0 amp motor brings high-quality performance, packing the same punch as other, more expensive options on our list, while the corded design ensures longevity, and eliminates the need for you to replace the batteries and other parts. It also has a reverse drill function, but this sometimes jams, particularly in tougher materials, and while there are worse problems to have, it’s still something you should take care to avoid. If you need more tool ideas, check out our selection of the best bench vises.

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Key Features:

Cast metal gear housing dissipates heat to prevent overheating

Pistol grip handle ensures comfort for longer jobs

Two finger locking trigger

Powerful 7.0 Amp motor

Specification:

BrandPORTER-CABLE

ModelPCE141

Weight4.9 pounds

Pros

The corded design gives you longevity

Capable of handling both brick and wood

Fast working for efficiency

Cons

Sometimes jams when using the reverse function

10

DEWALT 20v Max Xr Tool Connect Hammer Drill Kit

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Our final pick is the almost unbelievably futuristic DeWalt 20V Max XR Tool Connect Hammer Drill Kit. why is it futuristic, you ask? Well, it is the next generation in tool safety, assignment, and protection. It has integrated Bluetooth technology compatible with the Tool Connect app so you can track the drill wherever it may be.

On job sites, there are few things worse than missing tools, and even worse is when your tools are stolen. The Max XR will stop this ever happening again, helping you find your tools with ease and to the surprise of whoever thought they could borrow it without asking. Through the app, you can also view drill temperature and battery level to make sure you never get caught out in the middle of a job.

There’s more to it than fancy technology, though, with its 3 programmable modes giving you excellent customization including drill speed and brightness, and the ergonomic handle making long jobs a little less straining. With a brushless motor, it guarantees up to 75% more run time compared to their brushed counterparts, making it easy to drill through a variety of materials, however, it’s probably not powerful enough to tackle tough situations, so bear that in mind. We have also reviewed the best bench grinders so check them out.

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Key Features:

Integrated Bluetooth technology keeps tabs on tool across job sites

3 programmable modes help adjust speed and brightness

Offers up to 75% more run time than brushed motors

Ergonomic comfort grip handle provides balance

Specification:

BrandDEWALT

ModelDCD997B

Weight4.3 pounds

Pros

Drills through a variety of materials

Battery level and drill temperature available in-app

Durable, robust construction

Cons

Could do with more power for more stubborn applications

Hammer Drill Buying Guide & FAQ

How We Chose Our Selection Of Hammer Drills

Brand - Finding top quality tools means we need to identify the top quality brands. When adding to your toolbox, you want to ensure you have nothing but the best, and the brands we selected have proved repeatedly to be a cut above others.

Their products guarantee excellent performance to get the job done quickly but also efficiently. They are safe to use, durable and make every project feel like the easiest one you’ve ever completed.

Price - Top quality often demands high costs, but with our selection, we have worked hard to find a reasonable range of prices so it appeals to everyone from casual DIYers to professional tradesmen. When buying tools, it can often be a challenge to discern what price range is the right one for you, and while professionals may need the most expensive products, domestic users don’t.

Tools are supposed to last for a long time, and you don’t want to replace them every year, so it often makes sense to pay a little more for better quality. If you’re unlikely to use them too often, but still want a decent product, then we’re sure we’ve found something for you, regardless.

Reviews - To save our ears when testing out these hammer drills on the concrete in the parking lot, we relied on reviews to give us an idea of how great they really were. Often, you can’t tell how effective (and worth the money) a product is until after a few months, and the reviews we studied gave us the crucial information we need to make an informed decision.

They told us little quirks and cool features about certain products, and they also told us things we think you need to look out for when buying a hammer drill, which we covered in our pros and cons section of the selection.

Features To Look For In Hammer Drills

Speed settings - Variable speeds allow you greater control over your hammer drill and make it easier to chip away and finally bore concrete, which allows you to be more precise with the depth and prevents you overdoing it.

Some drills are only a single speed, so keep this in mind when browsing.

LED guide light - To allow even greater precision, an LED guide light is useful for ensuring you’re drilling at the right point. Without it, you risk miscalculating distance and areas, which could ruin the project.

Self-Tightening - A self-tightening hammer drill is convenient increasing efficiency when using your drill. You need the drill bit to be tight anyway, but you may not have the time to keep stopping, tightening, starting, and stopping when the bit becomes loose. Top of the range hammer drills will save you doing this and adjust accordingly when needed.

Motor - The power of the motor determines how strong, efficient, and long the hammer drill operates. The higher the amp, the greater the power, meaning they are more suited to heavy duty situations. Larger drills will have larger motors as they need them to sufficiently balance the weight and work effectively.

You can choose between brushed and brushless (which we go into detail about further down)

Anti-vibration - Anti-vibration and impact protection is essential for reducing strain on your wrists to help you maintain control when working. The lack of vibration also reduces noise, making your projects a little more peaceful.

Durability - Heavy duty tools require excellent durability to handle the intensive work they need to do. Hard casing will protect the interior parts from damage while reliable and high quality operating parts ensure longevity.

Safety features - When working with tools, safety features are crucial for trustworthy work and continued satisfaction. With the power possessed in drill hammers, you want to ensure there are adequate safety features in place to protect you in the event of an accident.

Some features to look out for are overheating protection, which will protect both you and the motor, and also automatic bit locking, which will prevent accidents happening by keeping the bits secure. In the event of sudden torque reactions, an integral clutch will save your arms from jolting along with the drill.

In terms of drill safety, modern models will have tracking technology that can locate them in the event of theft or negligence.

Design - Drills with 360-degree side handles will provide more maneuverability and cover a wide range of positions, which will make your projects more comfortable and efficient. You can also consider additional features that make the tool more versatile and capable of being used for jobs other than those which require a hammer drill. A comfortable handle is another design feature to look out for, besides large finger triggers.

Bits - Some hammer drills will come with a few extra bits whereas others will provide up to forty for a variety of projects and purposes. Depending on your needs, consider how frequently you’ll use the drill and what you’ll use it for.

Weight - The weight will affect how long you can use your drill for and also how easy it is to control when using high-speed settings. A good weight to power ratio is crucial for successful projects and it also eases the pressure on your arms during long days.

Types Of Hammer Drills

Corded - A corded drill is one you plug into a wall socket for power. They don’t require batteries and so are often seen as more durable and less maintenance than cordless drills.

Cordless - Cordless hammer drills operate using a battery, which can be inconvenient when you need to charge or replace them, but they are also more portable and allow you to drill away from a power source, giving you more freedom.

Compact - A compact hammer drill is smaller and lighter than regular hammer drills. These may not have as much power as corded and cordless drills but are ideal for drilling in tight spaces.

Hammer Drill FAQ

Q: What is a hammer drill?

A: A hammer drill is a tool that delivers consistent, powerful blows to break away rock and other materials. They work through batteries or AC and are often preferred than chiseling away this area by hand, depending on the scope of the job involved, as it requires less effort, reducing fatigue. You will typically find them used in the construction and masonry industries, but you can also use them at home for home improvement projects.

Q: Can a hammer drill break up concrete?

A: Yes, it can. Think of it as a smaller-scale jackhammer, however, hammer drills are not as powerful, and if you need to break away and bore large areas, then a jackhammer is a better choice. Hammer drills can also break away brick and tiles either during remodeling jobs or to clean up areas that are not made good following a project.

Q: Can hammer drill be used as a regular drill?

A: While the primary purpose of hammer drills is to drill into stone and concrete, you can buy hammer drills that come with multi-functionality and allow them to double as a drill if needed, which is great for when you’re sticking to a budget or don’t have a lot of space in your toolbox.

Do not get them confused with an impact drill as you won’t get the results you desire and could cause irreparable damage.

Q: What’s the difference between a hammer drill and a regular drill?

A: While you can use a drill with almost any hard material, a hammer drill is designed purely for use with very hard materials that could damage a regular drill.

Q: Do hammer drills need special bits?

A: The main bit you’ll need for your hammer drill is an SDS chuck, which is excellent for hammering away at concrete and brick. Do not expect you can use a regular drill bit like the force of the hammer drill will damage it.

Your hammer drill will likely come with a variety of bits for different jobs.

Q: Why are brushless drills better?

A: If you’re not sure whether you need a brushed or brushless drill, you can think about several factors that make brushless drills better. These include:

Efficiency - They work harder and get the job done faster than brushed drills because of the absence of friction between the moving parts. Instead, energy is transferred through magnetism and therefore increases the power, meaning you don’t have to work as hard.

Maintenance - Because there is no friction, there are also no sparks, even when you have the drill working harder than usual. The lack of contact within also heavily reduces wear and tear, making the drill last and perform more consistently for longer

Heat - With friction, you get heat, and by now we know there is a total lack of friction with brushless drills. The less heat means the less the parts need to work. It also means you can use your hammer drill for longer and more frequently

Noise - Brushless drills are less noisy compared to brushed motors as they are smaller which therefore means there is less vibration from the impact. On job sites, this noise isn’t too much of an issue as you’re surrounded by noise anyway, but for home use, it will be much appreciated.

Quality - Due to the technological advancements of brushless drills by using magnets and other factors, they are considered high-end products. We know this should always equal better quality, but in this case, it does.

However, brushless drills cost more, but if you’re working with these tools every day, it’s well worth the extra investment to make your job easier and also ensure your tool lasts longer.